I have an email that perpetually sits in my inbox. OK, so there’s more than one in there. But there’s one that’s on purpose. It’s from 2/2/2010, right as I was in the process of founding Three Avocados.
Subject: goal Body: to build an organization that can outlast me and continue to do good for the poor in developing countries long beyond my years.
I will never forget the moment I sent myself that email. I was sitting at the stoplight at the intersection of Page & Scheutz in St. Louis. I was listening to “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman. I had recently returned from Uganda for the first time and all I could think about was the people I met and the ways my eyes were opened. My heart was aching to make a difference in the world. This song spoke to exactly what I was feeling at that moment. It still speaks to the aching of my heart.
“In the end I’d like to hang my hat on more besides temporary trappings of this world. I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy.”
“Just want to hear instead, “Well Done” good and faithful one.”
I have found so much joy in pursing a life goal focused on others. And I can’t thank you enough for being a part of each. Each time you purchase, tell a friend about our story, retweet, share, etc., you become a part of the story. A part of the legacy that I’ve always dreamt Three Avocados could create.
-Joe
